Proceedings Begin in Chamber Suit Against EPA’s Clean Power Plan

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A D.C. Circuit lawsuit pitting 27 state officials and more than 150 stakeholder organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Clean Power Plan recently began with opening arguments.

“We are confident in our case, and the sheer number and diversity of challengers in this case is itself a powerful statement against EPA’s overreach,” said Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy President and CEO Karen Harbert. “Not only is the rule unlawful, it’s also bad policy.”

The suit alleges that the EPA’s plan takes authority over electric grids away from states by radically transforming the electric sector. The Clean Power Plan cannot be enacted until the case is decided, following a recent Supreme Court decision. The Chamber is leading the suit with a coalition of 16 other trade organizations, representing an array of industries from forestry and paper production to oilseed processors.

“This regulation threatens one of our nation’s greatest competitive advantages—a diverse set of electricity resources that provide reliable and affordable energy,” said Harber. “Our energy diversity has contributed to a renaissance of U.S. manufacturing, helping to generate much-needed jobs and significant investments and revenue.”